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Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

The Desert Willow is an upright shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 25 feet. The trunk grows up to 6 inches in diameter and has dark brown, scaly bark. Narrow, alternate, light-green leaves are 3 to 6 inches long with very pointed ends. Slender brown twigs are often hairy or sticky.

The Desert Willow
is not a member of the Willow Family (Saliaceae) as are true willows, but is
the only species of the Bignonia Family (Bigoniaceae) native to California. This
deciduous plant is classed as a phreatophyte, and is an indicator that water
is not too far below the surface during part of the year.

The common Spanish name Mimbre means willow-like, referring to the long, slender leaves. The wood of the Desert Willow is used for fenceposts. A tea is sometimes made from the dried flowers and seed pods.

Range

Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts from southern California to southwest Texas, as well as northern Mexico between 1000 and 5000 feet.

Habitat

Along desert washes and creeks, stream banks and drainages.

Flowers

Large, fragrant, orchid-like flowers, 1-1/4 inches long with white edges and pink-to-purple throats normally bloom from April to August. But these funnel form, tubular flowers have been seen blooming as early as November.

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Desert Food Chain
A food chain constitutes a complex network of organisms, from plants to animals, through which energy, derived from the sun, flows in the form of organic matter and dissipates in the form of waste heat.

The
Coyote
The ubiquitous coyote originally ranged primarily in the southwest corner of the US, but it has adapted readily to the changes caused by human occupation and, in the past 200 years, has been steadily extending its range.

The Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes come in 16 distinct varieties. There are numerous subspecies and color variations, but they are all positively identified by the jointed rattles on the tail. Take a look at a few of them, and listen to their rattle!